# Energy-Producing Trees The Faux Cottonwood Tree Generates Wind-Powered Electricity With Its Leaves By Alyson Wyers | Published 2017-02-24 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/windpowered-electricity References: [springwise](https://www.springwise.com/fake-cottonwood-tree-generates-wind-powered-electricity/) & [iastate.edu](http://www.iastate.edu/) Inspired by [mobile phone towers disguised as trees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-leaves), this arboreal structure generates wind-powered electricity. Developed by Iowa State University researchers, the faux cottonwood tree produces energy when its pretend leaves move. The biometric 'tree' features thin plastic leaves that release energy when rustled by the wind. The electricity-generating tree would work alongside [wind turbines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blademade) to help power household appliances. Where as the lab version of the tree is on the smaller side, the research team plan for a significantly bigger variation that could create more wind-powered electricity with tens of thousands of leaves. This offers an alternative solution to consumers seeking smaller sustainable energy sources. The scientists are working on a mechanical to electrical conversion to bring the fake tree to market. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 60% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Wind-powered Trees:** Creating energy-generating structures that mimic trees by harnessing wind power. - **Alternative Energy Sources:** Developing new ways to satisfy the growing demand for renewable energy that utilizes natural resources. - **Bio-inspired Technology:** Mimicking nature's design to create innovative solutions for sustainable energy production. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Renewable Energy:** Increasing the accessibility of sustainable energy with new technologies and alternative sources. - **Architecture:** Incorporating energy-generating structures into building design for a more eco-friendly future. - **Home Appliances:** Providing small-scale, sustainable energy sources for household appliances, reducing reliance on traditional power sources. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Self-Powered Mobile Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-towers.md) - [Air-Purifying Tree Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treeone.md) - [Portable Energy Generators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-energy-generator.md) - [Honeycomb-Shaped Wind Turbines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bladeless-wind-turbine-design.md) - [Travel-Ready Wind Turbines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wind-turbine-generator.md) - [Sustainable EV Charging Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/change-wind-corporation.md) - [Solar-Powered Floral Garden Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-tree-house.md) - [Sustainable Growth Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treesoil.md) - [Portable Wind Turbine Generators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shine-20.md)